FinBiz2030 South African Regional Task Force
FinBiz2030 has established regional task forces around the world to help mobilise the finance and business community to achieve the SDGs by 2030.
In 2020 we launched the South African Regional Task Force. The objective of the regional task forces is to support the overall objectives of FinBiz2030 by driving change locally focusing on key priorities in their respective markets.
Watch Launch Event – Johannesburg »
South African Task Force Leadership
Mandy Muchnick
Mandy is a CA(SA) and was appointed as the Chair for One Young World in Africa in 2019. She has spent her career in Investment Banking and Private Equity. With a passion for social upliftment, Mandy has also run a non-profit in her own time, imagine.nation, which focusses on formative year education and social entrepreneurship. Her passion for finding ways to drive change from within companies led her to being selected to attend One Young World (OYW) 2015, returning in 2016 as a Returning Ambassador and in 2018 as the Coordinating Ambassador for Southern Africa. After building the Southern Africa community into one of the most active and connected communities globally, Mandy was offered the role of Chair for One Young World in Africa, representing the organizations interests on the continent and ensuring that every African state is represented at the annual summit.
Tell us about your workstream
- Strategic guidance to the SA Task for with specific focus on SDG 8 and 10;
- Ensuring an environment which enables the Task Force to execute on tangible results is formed. This includes, but is not limited to, ensuring that we are a registered non-profit entity with a bank account and all accompanying regulatory requirements are met, that the teams are provided with resources that ensure we present as a professional and serious body and that meaningful connections are formed between Task Force members;
- Executing initiatives such as the Executive Leadership sessions which make the Task Force a valuable experience for those who are part of it;
- Combing various teams quarterly reports and ensuring there is an audit trail of work done;
- Listening to members needs and assisting where possible; and
- Acting as a liaison between CAW, OYW, SAICA and the Task Force.
What would you like to achieve in the Task Force for both society and yourself individually?
I am very passionate about ensuring that the SA Task Force delivers tangible results, launching Task Forces through the rest of the continent and creating a platform for strong networks to be formed between these regions. At One Young World we often ask, “what would the world look like if global leaders had been friends when they were in their twenties?”. I am determined to help create platforms that enable that question to be answered for our generation.
What are you most excited for (related to FinBiz), in 2021?
The FinBiz2030 initiative is a very exciting my worlds collide as a CA(SA) and One Young World Ambassador. While this is still somewhat unique, it is becoming increasingly important for business to realise the role that they play in society and the type of global leadership we are going to desperately need to survive and thrive. Businesses cannot thrive in failing societies.
Lyle Malander
Lyle Malander is a qualified Chartered Accountant, whose ambitions are fueled by making a difference and creating a legacy. In 2018, Lyle was named the winner of the SAICA Top 35 under 35 competition and in 2019, he was named the Young Professional of the Year at the South African Professional Services awards.
He is the co-founder of the Malander Group, a diversified group of companies providing financial advisory and human capital services and has also launched Malander for Change, an initiative aimed at providing technological resources and career guidance to prospective jobseekers. Lyle is a co-chair of the South African FinBiz2030 task force.
South African Task Force Priorities
South African Task Force Priorities
Goal 13: Climate Action How to address the needs of developing countries to both adapt to climate change and invest in low carbon development
Goal 10: Reduced Inequality How do we reduce inequality including those based on gender, race, religion, origin and economic status
Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth How to we promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, productive employment and decent work for all
Goal 4: Quality Education How to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
South African Task Force Members
SDG 10: Reduced Inequality
Lize Lube
CA(SA) ACMA/CGMA Principal at Phatisa Leading the investment process from cradle to grave by providing equity funding solutions to African businesses with high growth potential and significant impact. This includes origination and structuring as well as financial, legal and commercial due diligence and legal execution. Assisting with post investment support to portfolio companies and serving on their boards of directors. Leading transaction-related work within portfolio companies including fundraising, mergers, acquisitions and exits.
Tell us about your workstream
I am the SDG10 Task Team Lead and we have prioritised the following projects for 2021: 1. Reducing inequalities (education): Working with the Thuthuka program (a program that assist students financially and otherwise to qualify as CAs) and assisting them with marketing, social media, awareness campaigns, fundraising and alumni/mentor talks. 2. Reducing inequalities (gender): Working with SAICA and other organisation to advance gender equity through increasing female board representation (training, pipeline building and sharing opportunities), training and awareness campaigns and supporting other gender equity initiatives within the profession.
What would you like to achieve in the Task Force for both society and yourself individually?
Make a tangible difference by implementing projects that would move the dial on reducing inequality - specifically related to education and gender initiatives.
What are you most excited for (related to FinBiz), in 2021?
Being part of an initiative that is driven towards the greater good.
Frans Geldenhuys
I am one of several co-founders of ALICE, an intelligent automation platform with an affinity to assurance, and executive at Bidvest Advisory Services. I am a CA(SA) and CISA. I am part of the SDG10 sub-taskforce for FinBiz2030 focusing on equal opportunities to education and business and gender inequality.
Tell us about your workstream
We are focusing on gender inequality and unequal opportunities to education.
What would you like to achieve in the Task Force for both society and yourself individually?
Create awareness and address the gender gap in corporates. I do this both as a husband to an amazing wife that deal with unconscious bias on a daily basis and the father of a little girl that I would like to enter the world on equal footing. We would also like to assist our professional body to create opportunities for students that never had the opportunities to receive a quality education and become professional members of business, thus not only lifting up themselves, but also diversifying the corporate environment.
What are you most excited for (related to FinBiz), in 2021?
Getting some traction on our planned projects
Louise Chunnett
I am one of the founding members of Team ALICE in the Bidvest Group. I am a qualified CA (SA) and CISA. Together with my colleague, we were the winners of the out-of-the-ordinary category of SAICA's Top 35 Under 35 Competition in 2018.
Tell us about your workstream
I am a taskforce team member and am working on our Education project which aims to create more funding and motivate more previously disadvantaged individuals to be Chartered Accountants in South Africa.
What would you like to achieve in the Task Force for both society and yourself individually?
I would like to make a tangible difference, to as many aspiring Chartered Accountants as possible and in doing so ending the poverty cycle for them and their families. Education is a key driver in breaking the barrier to sustainable income and uplifting an individual beyond their current means.
What are you most excited for (related to FinBiz), in 2021?
We have some achievable goals that we are already pursuing so I'm thrilled that this will be the year we are able to start measuring success.
Khanya Ndzululeka
Khanya is a qualified Chartered Accountant with experience working in both the public and private sector. She has worked as a Technical Advisor with a specific focus on providing deal support on the structuring of new products rolled out within the financial services industry. Currently she is a Co-Founder of Setana Capital, a company of young Africans passionate about using finance and technology as a tool to restore the dignity of entrepreneurs typically locked out from traditional systems of commerce and finance.
Tell us about your workstream
The key priorities of this workstream are to put together initiatives aimed at reducing inequalities as it pertains to gender, income and education. It is our belief that narrowing the gap between the haves and have-nots in these areas is the only way in which we can increase wealth in a just and dignified manner rather than in a way that exacerbates social tensions. My role, together with other team members, is to creatively put together initiatives that we can look back on and say they made a difference.
What would you like to achieve in the Task Force for both society and yourself individually?
Bring attention to the matter of inequality and get people behind the cause of fighting it in our personal and professional life.
What are you most excited for (related to FinBiz), in 2021?
Raising funds for a cause that we have identified as impactful
Khuthadzo Mbedzi
CA(SA) and Strategic Leader currently a CFO for a technology company that supplies tech solution to the Defence force and owned by 2 leading technology companies in Africa. I have a strong passion for leadership and transformation and my career allows me to play a part in creating the change I want to see, because it begins with me.
Tell us about your workstream
Our work stream aims at raising awareness and lobbying for a focus on gender equality in the CA profession and broader workplace and reducing inequality and access to opportunities in the CA profession. My role is to work with the team in identifying and formulating ways in which we can create opportunities, funding, motivation etc. to aspiring students and also to open doors or at-least have them know those doors exist. female CA(SA)’s too can occupy positions of influence, JSE listed companies can be run by women too.
What would you like to achieve in the Task Force for both society and yourself individually?
The breaking of barriers of the past that created limited access to certain genders and races and to bring forth opportunities and platforms that enable and equips those people into better access. Personally being a black female myself in the CA profession,I will be fulfilled from playing a part in someone else’s life and not just breaking the barriers myself and for myself alone. There is enough space for all of us and if there isn’t we can create it.
SDG 4: Quality Education
Bonginkosi Kalipa
I am currently a student in the last year of my studies to attain the Certificate in Theory of Accounting(CTA) in the Institute of Accounting Science (Pty) Ltd as part of my studies in pursuit of becoming a Chartered Accountant. In 2019 I won the SAICA Student Leadership Summit for the farming enterprise I am running in the undeveloped rural areas in Eastern Cape as a solution to the persistent poverty in the surrounding communities.
Tell us about your workstream
Leading school initiatives to ensure access, quality and progress of secondary school education to learners in underperforming schools and communities. My role is to initiate and organize relevant programs as well as communicating with all stakeholders.
What would you like to achieve in the Task Force for both society and yourself individually?
I would like to bring about free access to quality relevant education for the communities I work with and live a lasting positive impact in the young minds I encounter in this journey.
What are you most excited for (related to FinBiz), in 2021?
Implementation of more impactful projects.
Likeleli Monyamane
Likeleli is the founder of Inspire Innovation Business Consultants and the Head of Strategy, Projects and Innovation for an insurance company in Lesotho. She founded the Inspire Mentorship Program which is aimed at providing mentorship, skills and leadership development opportunities for young professionals in Lesotho. She is a 2019 top 35 under 35 CA(SA) finalist.
Tell us about your workstream
SDG 4 focuses on initiatives that make increases the quality of Education. My role is to develop a mentorship program for educators in Lesotho, because my belief is that we cannot impact the education sector without having an impact on the educators, upskilling them, providing them with resources and professional development opportunities.
What would you like to achieve in the Task Force for both society and yourself individually?
I would like to see us contribute to skills development in a significant way in Lesotho, and to see us collaborate on initiatives so that we can have a greater reach. Then I would like to see us all grow into better leaders.
What are you most excited for (related to FinBiz), in 2021?
Expanding the reach of our initiatives, communicating the impact we have done to the rest of the world and finding new opportunities
Fulufhelo Siphuma
Fulufhelo Siphuma CA(SA) works Banking and Capital markets in London and selected as a participant in Young African Leaders initiative programme that seeks to shape and equip upcoming African leaders . She is a social entrepreneur & wellness expert who is committed to the UN’s Sustainable development goals of quality education and good health and wellbeing (through prevention of non-communicable disease) . She is a sought-after speaker not only in wellness but also business & finance area having been a part of the various panel discussions and part of the finbiz2030 task force which aims to reduce social ills. She is also a radio & tv personality. She has been in stations where she has demystified the chartered accountancy profession.
Tell us about your workstream
The SDG 4 Task Team exists to promote SDG 4, which is to “ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all”. South Africa has a great number of challenges as it relates to the education space. This is evidence by social movements such as the #feesmustfall. What makes it even more challenging as stated by SAICA’s Nation Building Executive Director is that ‘education takes time’. Therefore, to see the impact of our initiatives may take time. It is with this backdrop that our objectives are to: - develop initiatives that addresses, amongst others, challenges in the education space on primary, secondary and tertiary levels; and create an excitement for education within young learners while addressing certain social challenges that are faced by learners.Part of my work would be equipping students with necessary soft skills that will help them secure employment and create a space where students can share ideas that can be turned into business and in turn create employment.
What would you like to achieve in the Task Force for both society and yourself individually?
To play my part in achieving the SDG 4 of quality education & problems solving of social ills.
Hashveer
I am CA(SA) and the Managing Director of Veersgroup which is a diversified group of companies operating in the Renewable Energy Sector, Mining and Construction.
Tell us about your workstream
Overall education role. We are working with communities in to advance STEM development.
What would you like to achieve in the Task Force for both society and yourself individually?
Have an impact in the pass rate of matriculants in the Northern Cape Communities that we operate in. I would like to spread the footprint of these initiatives in South Africa.
What are you most excited for (related to FinBiz), in 2021?
The collaboration amongst countries and professionals.
Itumeleng Barnard
I am Chartered Accountant by profession . I am a meticulous, pro-active and team working professional with strong business acumen and multisector knowledge accumulated on London Stock Exchange and Johannesburg Stock Exchange blue-chip financial services clients, a leading telecommunications company in South Africa and Big 4 professional services in South Africa I was headhunted by the one of the Big 4 in London, United Kingdom. I am serving on the Independent Regulatory Board for Auditors (IRBA's) Monitoring Committee and a member of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) and I was one of the finalists for the ‘SAICA’s ‘Top 35 under 35’ .
Tell us about your workstream
As SD4 we decided to focus on quality education. We are subdivided into various work streams. I am jointly responsible for implementing our projects at university level, leveraging of on digital work stream, taking into account the current pandemic access to a digital quality education is important.
What would you like to achieve in the Task Force for both society and yourself individually?
Personally to Increase my network. To assist our community to get quality education. Education is cornerstone upon which many lives are built. I think better and quality education can improve many people’s lives across our communities.
What are you most excited for (related to FinBiz), in 2021?
Firstly , any day post 2020 is something to be excited about abs certainly grateful for. I’m looking forward to implementing more projects with our Task force abs workstream.
Kagisho Masae
A township groomed lad trying to level the playing field through technology. I am the Digital Brand Manager for Investec Wealth & Investment as well as the Co-Founder of Matriclive which won the Breakthrough Solution of the year award at the 2020 MTN Business App of the Year awards. A proud One Young World Ambassador
Tell us about your workstream
We aim to improve access to quality education by addressing some of the inhibitors as well as supply tools that makes the accessibility easier.
What would you like to achieve in the Task Force for both society and yourself individually?
All children having access to quality education regardless of background or social status
What are you most excited for (related to FinBiz), in 2021?
Collaboration, I believe collectively, no goal is unachievable.
Onneile Maripe BFP ACA
Working as a Finance Performance Analyst at Debswana Diamond (financial reporting and treasury) and avid learner
Tell us about your workstream
We are responsible for the sustainable development goal 4 SDG4 being quality , transparent , fair education. The work streams include digital innovation, school level initiatives, university lead initiatives and other social initiatives. My role is to ensure a breakdown of the context , applications, poor education facilities, library , computers, implementation of the program in Botswana and benchmark with South Africa and Lesotho
What would you like to achieve in the Task Force for both society and yourself individually?
An internationally recognized education after ensuring we make great awareness on the importance of quality education not only to the students but to get the relevant stakeholders engaged.
What are you most excited for (related to FinBiz), in 2021?
The exchange of skills, experience and ideas among colleagues with similar interests. The international interactions are so exciting because we get varying feedback from different countries and this is important for benchmark in developing countries.
Thusani Khwanda
Data Scientist at Risk Insights and One Young World Ambassador
Tell us about your workstream
I Work in a Data Analytics space, and the main priority is to use technology and data to improve future decision making.
What would you like to achieve in the Task Force for both society and yourself individually?
To Share my knowledge and skills with those who need it and less fortunate
What are you most excited for (related to FinBiz), in 2021?
Collaborating with other professionals and making a measurable difference
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
Audrey Muvezwa
Am a Regional Controller for Middle East and Africa at Trelleborg Wheel System, Member of CA (SA) and One Young World Ambassador for Class 2019. I also own a consultancy that helps small business with Compliance issues such as tax returns, financial statements, CIPC returns.
Tell us about your workstream
Economic growth by encouraging entrepreneurship which will help with providing decent work and reduce unemployment in our communities.
What would you like to achieve in the Task Force for both society and yourself individually?
Advocating for and working actively in my community to encourage Financial Literacy. Most small businesses fail due to lack of adequate knowledge.
What are you most excited for (related to FinBiz), in 2021?
I am passionate about financial literacy as a tool to enhance inclusion. We need to formalise and assist informal business owners to contribute to the growth of the economy. Small businesses can be a tool to assist with unemployment if given an OPPORTUNITY.
Charl van der Horst
Charl van der Horst is the Africa Head of Deloitte’s Global AI Institute, where he works with top startups, academics, social innovators, corporates and policy makers to advance AI’s positive impact in Africa.
Tell us about your workstream
Charl leads the SDG 8 workstream for the South African TaskForce which focusses on creating jobs and growing the South African economy by working with various stakeholders to grow the South African GBS sector as well as through various initiatives to support small businesses across the country.
What would you like to achieve in the Task Force for both society and yourself individually?
I would like to see us make a large (Affecting 10,000 people or more) measurable positive impact in our geography through the successes of our work with the South African GBS sector and SME support initiatives.
What are you most excited for (related to FinBiz), in 2021?
Now that we've put the groundwork in place, I'm excited to see an uptick in measurable impact from our various initiatives.
Entle Mmipi
I hold a Finance degree and lead an initiative called Finpowerment Botswana which aims to teach financial literacy. I currently work as a Business Devopment Associate at Udugu Institute Botswana. I am a One Young World Ambassador.
Tell us about your workstream
I am a part of the SDG 8 workstream. Key priorities include finding ways to link disadvantaged populations to decent work opportunities, which include skill-based programmes. Currently, I am focused working with other team members to create a small business funding booklet.
What would you like to achieve in the Task Force for both society and yourself individually?
I would like to be able to make an impact in achieving the SDGS BY 2030, particularly SDG 8. On a personal note, I would like to form lasting relationships.
What are you most excited for (related to FinBiz), in 2021?
I am excited to see the impact FinBiz will make this year.
Lungelo Ngobese
Lungelo is a CA Trainee at FirstRand Group and is passionate about progress and people. In his role as a trainee, Lungelo rotates through various divisions within the bank to assist with financial reporting, taxation, management decision-making and control, financial management and internal auditing. He is a Stellenbosch University alumni and a rookie painter on the weekends.
Tell us about your workstream
My work stream changes every 3-6 months since I rotate through different divisions. In my previous roles, I have been involved in academia where I lectured Accounting to First and Second year students for a year. I then moved over to financial services where I was involved in financial reporting with key priorities on month-end deliverables (journals, recons etc) and year -end (producing audited AFS and liaising with the auditors). I later moved into internal audit where I was involved from planning right to the audit report. I am currently back in finance where I am busy with interim reporting and budgets.
What would you like to achieve in the Task Force for both society and yourself individually?
I would like to achieve real results where jobs are created for decent work.
What are you most excited for (related to FinBiz), in 2021?
I am excited about the projects currently in place and the quick wins we have scheduled to complete this year.
Nolwazi Mdunge
Nolwazi Mdunge CA(SA) is a qualified chartered accountant in South Africa currently working at RCL Foods. She co-founded Little Miss Sunshine Foundation, a non-profit company focusing on early childhood development, women empowerment and addressing social ills in society. She is also an alumni of the Young African Leadership Initiative programme.
Tell us about your workstream
SDG 8 is the Sustainable Development Goal which seeks to achieve Decent Work and Economic Growth for all by ensuring productive employment within an economy and economic emancipation. Our task includes working with different stakeholders (both in the public and private sectors) to put job creation at the heart of economic policy-making and development plans as this will generate decent work opportunities and more inclusive growth thus reducing poverty. Some of the work I am involved in includes supporting SMEs by introducing them to the right support networks and finding ways to educate small businesses and start-ups on the different funding options they can access. This assists entrepreneurs with financial assistance and training available from the different funding institutions.
What would you like to achieve in the Task Force for both society and yourself individually?
I would like to see the task force partnering with more businesses that align themselves with SDG 8, find ways to connect skilled workers with businesses requiring those skills and help find programs that can assist in upskilling people in the areas where there is a shortage of skilled labour. This will reduce the steep unemployment rate in the country.
What are you most excited for (related to FinBiz), in 2021?
I look forward to making a positive impact in communities and assisting the government reduce unemployment by ensuring productive employment within an economy and economic emancipation.
Pearle More
CA (SA) CFO: Pule Incorporated Attorneys
Tell us about your workstream
Our team aims at delivering solutions to address the Youth unemployment ans Facilitating Business Development, therefore in turn, leading to South African economic growth.
What would you like to achieve in the Task Force for both society and yourself individually?
1. For Businesses: I would like to assist with the challenges in which entrepreneurs face as a result of lack of resources and information, which will facilitate growth. 2. For Youth: I would like to facilitate the channels to address the gaps that exist between business and unemployed young people. 3. For myself: I would like to see growth, personally and professionally in Business Coaching and Mentorship.
What are you most excited for (related to FinBiz), in 2021?
I am excited for the new initiatives that are currently planned for the year, including the networking opportunities with the rest of the world.
Sibusiso Ndlovu
I am currently working as a Junior Structured Property Finance Consultant at Investec Bank Limited in South Africa. I am a qualified Chartered Accountant registered under the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants and a One Young World Ambassodor. Currently studying towards a Masters of Science in International Business Administration at the University of London
Tell us about your workstream
The Task Force key priority is to drive SDG 8 (Decent work and economic growth) in South Africa. Our aim is to make an impact in various spaces which include big corporates and small businesses. My role includes assisting the team come up with ideas and assisting the Team to implement various projects/initiatives.
What would you like to achieve in the Task Force for both society and yourself individually?
Covid-19 has had a massive impact on the South African economy and the unemployment rate in the country. I would like to provide a little bit of hope for society and make a small difference in someone’s life even if it’s reviewing a CV.
What are you most excited for (related to FinBiz), in 2021?
I am excited about seeing how we are able to make an impact during these unprecedented times.
Simonetta Giuricich
I am the COO for VAT IT Reclaim, a CA(SA) and proud OYW ambassador. I am part of the FinBiz2030 Task Force, with a specific focus on SDG 8.
Tell us about your workstream
Our task force is focusing on Decent Work and Economic Growth. I am specifically focusing on working with key players in creating job opportunities for our unemployed youth in South Africa by positioning South Africa as a leading Global Business Services (“GBS”) location.
What would you like to achieve in the Task Force for both society and yourself individually?
It is my goal to approach and work with corporates both locally and internationally in setting up GBS centers in South Africa which, in turn, will create job opportunities (predominantly suited for our current unemployed youth).
What are you most excited for (related to FinBiz), in 2021?
Seeing tangible results from the ground work performed in 2020.
Khanyisile Qwabe
My name is Khanyisile Qwabe CA(SA). I qualified as a CA 4 years ago. I currently work as an IFRS Technical Consultant at W Consulting.
What would you like to achieve in the Task Force for both society and yourself individually?
Our country is experiencing difficult economic times. I would like to be part of the solution. My hope is that the Task Force will support small businesses to help grow the economy and create employment.
What are you most excited for (related to FinBiz), in 2021?
I am most looking forward to seeing our plans begin to come to life.
Peter Magner
Peter is an avid trail runner and sports enthusiast. He has a passion for people and technology and uses these skills to help grow Iridium Business Solutions. He is the Sales and Marketing Director for the company, whilst also manages a team of Cloud Accountants. In 2019, he was fortunate enough to be selected as one of the SAICA Top 35-under-35 Chartered Accountants.
Tell us about your workstream
SDG8 focuses on decent work on economic growth. We've identified that we're able to help by supporting existing initiatives like BPESA as well as providing educational content using our skills and resources.
What would you like to achieve in the Task Force for both society and yourself individually?
I'd like to equip business owners and entrepreneurs with the tools to succeed. Ideally, I'd like to work with businesses that have a strong focus on hiring people so that we can help tackle the challenge of high unemployment rates in SA.
What are you most excited for (related to FinBiz), in 2021?
Helping SMEs better understand their businesses
SGD 13: Climate Action
Kim Brink
I am a Business Analyst in the Digital division of Investec Bank, specifically for the Cryptocurrency and Life products. In 2019-2020 I was an ambassador for Investec for the United Nations Young SDG Innovators Programme (YSIP) - finding viable business solutions with sustainability at its core.
Tell us about your workstream
From the outset, the team had a project charter, where we outlined our mission and objectives as follows: Action cannot be taken without awareness of the problem, its far-reaching consequences and most importantly: the power that individuals and corporations have to combat this. The mission of the Climate Action team is to identify the gaps of climate action within industry practice; where these have the greatest impact; how we might be able to influence action most effectively, and to implement/accelerate reforms. The focus will be predominantly within the South African business industry - where we might leverage and create spheres of influence business practice across industries. This will be done through both direct implementation projects (namely a proposal for a carbon offsetting initiative/organisation) and indirect implementation projects (such as climate literacy and awareness through a climate literacy app; our SustainableSA resources) We have also launched a campaign on Change.org, calling to action our Minister of Finance to build back better, in terms of a decarbonized and sustainable financial plan for our nation. As the team leader, my aim is to facilitate all members and ensure that all input is aligned to our stipulated goals. I focus on accommodating everyone's capacity and making sure that their wellbeing is looked after, in order to manage our project deadlines realistically and sustainably.
What would you like to achieve in the Task Force for both society and yourself individually?
My aim is to bridge the gap between IT, Business and Sustainability; bringing all perspectives to one boardroom. The integration is vital to a shift in mindset and business practice that is already underway.
What are you most excited for (related to FinBiz), in 2021?
I have been greatly privileged to work alongside prestigious professionals that have taught me a great deal about industries and the roles of various professions that reach far wider than I previously assumed. While 2020 was the time to analyse and plan, this year we will be seeing the action items come together. In seeing other teams' progress, I am certain that partnerships will arise between both other SDG teams, and other teams in different cohorts worldwide.
Vandana Satgoor
Sustainability Officer at EOH. One Young World Ambassador. Technology Optimist. Activist. Committed to the living giving purpose that Climate Justice is Social Justice. #ConnectTheDots.
Tell us about your workstream
Key priorities is ensuring Climate Literacy and campaigning to integrate Climate Change Measures into Policies and Planning for South Africa.
What would you like to achieve in the Task Force for both society and yourself individually?
Social Justice through Climate Justice.
What are you most excited for (related to FinBiz), in 2021?
Connecting with the business and finance community, build capacity on our climate cause and deliver results on our projects.
Meghan Shields
My name is Meghan Shields, I am a qualified CA(SA). Currently I am the Head of Service for VATIT Pty Ltd. I am a member of the SDG 13 #FinBiz2030 Task Force, collaborating with my peers to combat Climate Change in South Africa.
Tell us about your workstream
Our Task Force is aimed at combating Climate Change, and the impacts thereof. Our main priorities are Climate Literacy and the availability of Carbon Credits for businesses in South Africa. We aim to address these issues through a Climate Literacy App and through a Carbon Credits project, respectively. My main function in the group is acting as a support member - I perform adhoc tasks for several projects to facilitate the completion thereof.
What would you like to achieve in the Task Force for both society and yourself individually?
Ultimately we would like bring Climate Literacy to all South Africans - education is an extremely important step in giving power to the citizens of South Africa to make informed decisions for themselves and for the collective. Individuals hold the power to hold corporate South Africa, and our government accountable, with the right knowledge. From a personal perspective, this cause is very important to me and through achieving in the Task Force, I will feel a personal sense of achievement as well.
What are you most excited for (related to FinBiz), in 2021?
I am most excited to see our projects develop further, past the ideation phase and into the creation phase.
Steven Storey
Company: Accounting and Financial Advisory Position: Senior Manager Designation: CA(SA) I studied at Wits and completed my articles at Deloitte. I have a passion for the renewable energy space as well as the built environment.
Tell us about your workstream
Focused around 3 key streams: - educating and providing relevant content to finance professionals - development of an application to guide people on their journey to sustainable thinking - generation of a pilot project to perform a carbon offsetting project my role has largely been focused on connecting people in my network to relevant stakeholders in this taskforce. I have also taken on the responsibility of generating a pilot project and documenting this process to allow individuals and entities to use the process as a blueprint for their own projects to offset carbon producing activities. We have also been involved in meetings with SAICA in an effort to lobby them to implement changes to the pre-qualification and post-qualification requirements so that members continue to remain relevant in this changing world.
What would you like to achieve in the Task Force for both society and yourself individually?
Have the CA(SA) qualification mean that not only is the person relevant from an accounting point of view but also from a business risk and mitigation point of view when considering climate risks. Help guide business to being carbon neutral and have sustainable development goals at the forefront of decision making.
What are you most excited for (related to FinBiz), in 2021?
achieving a pilot project that has a tangible reduction in carbon emissions
Michellene Barnes
Michellene Barnes is a qualified Chartered Accountant working in finance at the Allan Gray Orbis Philanthropy. She serves on the FinBiz2030 South African Task Force on SDG 13. Michellene is also Global Shaper which is part of the Global Shapers Community an initiative of the World Economic Forum serving currently as the Stellenbosch hub's Impact Officer and Head of Recruitment (having previously served as its Curator). Through Global Shapers Michellene has trained to become a Climate Reality leader with the Climate Reality project founded by former US Vice President Al Gore. Michellene is passionate about using finance and investigating viable means for it to achieve the development agenda in order to improve communities and countries with the aim of reducing poverty and inequality ultimately leading to its elimination.
Tell us about your workstream
I serve on the SDG13 work stream. Our aim is to education and empower more people with climate literacy whilst also seeking to contribute to our country implementing measures, investments and policies etc to invest in a greener economy and a more decarbonised economy. The purpose of a greener and decarbonised economy is also linked to health equality and the creation of jobs which links to several other SDGs. We want to also raise awareness that climate matters do not occur in isolation but that several solutions and challenges are related.
What would you like to achieve in the Task Force for both society and yourself individually?
I would like to enable the mobilisation of the finance and business community to work towards our country achieving the SDGs. We are approximately 10 years away from 2030 however much still has to be done globally. This would aid in addressing the inequalities in our country and building a better future for all. This opportunity is a great learning experience for me and a way to contribute to meaningful work using my academic and professional background.
What are you most excited for (related to FinBiz), in 2021?
The FinBiz2030 initiative is a very exciting my worlds collide as a CA(SA) and One Young World Ambassador. While this is still somewhat unique, it is becoming increasingly important for business to realise the role that they play in society and the type of global leadership we are going to desperately need to survive and thrive. Businesses cannot thrive in failing societies.
